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Campus Life

Frequently Asked Questions

 GETTING INVOLVED

WHAT IS COMMUTER CONVERSATIONS?

Commuter Conversations meets twice each month and it is the perfect opportunity for commuter students to gather and discuss various aspects of commuter life at Fitchburg State. The Commuter Club is run through the Commuter Affairs and it provides an opportunity for students to meet other commuters, plan and attend commuter-specific campus events, and, most importantly, share concerns about commuter life. Between classes, working, and family obligations, we understand the busy lives that commuter students lead, and we know how hard it can be to squeeze in time for one more activity. Commuter Conversations is not a club, nor does it require a large commitment or necessity to join. Rather, Commuter Conversations is open to any student (even residents!) and we encourage new students to stop in each meeting to check it out! Our hope is to provide an outlet for commuter concerns as well as to build community and integration among commuters. All students are welcome to attend events even if you can't commit to joining, or join our mailing list to stay in the loop. Even if you can't find time in your schedule to make it to every meeting, you can still be an active member. Stay tuned for our next Commuter Conversations meeting and we hope to see you all there!

HOW CAN I MEET OTHER STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF ON CAMPUS?

Commuter Conversations is a great way to get involved with other commuter students who may share similar concerns about life as a commuter. If this specific event doesn't interest you, The Commuter Affairs office sponsors multiple other opportunities to get involved and meet other students on campus! Moreover, you should think about joining other organizations on campus or attending on-campus events sponsored by the Student Government Association (SGA), the Fitchburg Activities Board (FAB) as well as other clubs on campus.

HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT EVENTS ON CAMPUS?

Look for flyers and posters across campus, pick up the latest Commuter Connection newsletter and remember to check your Fitchburg State student email account for event updates and announcements. For the latest information about events, check out Collegiate Link.

WHERE DO I GO TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS?

View a full list of recognized student clubs and organizations and a full list of club advisor contact information. 

WHAT RELIGIOUS SERVICES ARE HELD DURING THE WEEK?

Religious services are held on Sundays at 11:15 in Kent Recital Hall. Weekday Masses start on Monday at 12:30 in Alumni C. Remember to check your Fitchburg State student e-mail account for updates about additional holiday services.

 WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ABOUT WORKING ON CAMPUS?

Watch for the job fair held at the beginning of every academic year. At any other time of the year, you can inquire at the Financial Aid Office, as they keep a listing of all campus offices hiring student employees. Also be sure to check your student e-mail account for opportunities on internships and job opportunities.

 COMMUTER SERVICES

WHO CAN I TALK TO IN COMMUTER AFFAIRS?

 Rebecca Lindley, Coordinator of Commuter Affairs and Leadership, can be reached at: rlindle2@fitchburgstate.edu

Josh Whipple, Commuter Affairs Lead, can be reached at: jwhippl1@student.fitchburgstate.edu

Matthew Costello, Commuter Assistant, can be reached at: mcoste19@student.fitchburgstate.edu

Ebony Schuerman, Commuter Assistant, can be reached at: eschuerm@student.fitchburgstate.edu

Angela Scymzik, Commuter Assistant, can be reached at: aszymci1@student.fitchburgstate.edu

Additionally, you can always reach someone by emailing commuters@fitchburgstate.edu or by contacting the Commuter Affairs Office phone directly at (978)665-3657

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE TO COMMUTER STUDENTS?

Registered commuter students are entitled to all the same services as residential students, with the exception of residence hall access. This includes the services offered by campus offices such as the Recreation Center, Counseling Services, Disability Services, Health Services, Career Services, the Academic Advising Center, the Tutor Center, and more. Additionally, commuter students are eligible to use a free locker and a free commuter mailbox on campus.

ARE THERE PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES FOR COMMUTER STUDENTS?

Yes! Your Commuter Affairs team and Commuter Representatives from both SGA and FAB work to bring a lot of commuter-specific daytime programming to campus. In addition, the Commuter Affairs office and Commuter Conversations is organized specifically to cater to the needs of busy commuter students, and plans commuter-specific events and programs. Look for flyers and email announcements of upcoming commuter programs.

WHERE CAN I STORE MY BELONGINGS ON CAMPUS?                             

There are lockers located in the main hallway off of the Hammond G-Lobby. Lockers are free of charge to all commuter students. We supply the lock; just fill out a locker request form in the Office of Student Development. Remember, lockers are first come, first serve, so plan to sign up early in the semester to reserve your locker.

WHERE CAN I RELAX BETWEEN CLASSES?

You can grab a bite to eat in the Commuter Café, hang out in the Commuter Lounge with friends, or study in the Library for an upcoming class. Other students may choose to spend time in the Main Lounge, the Hammond G-Lobby, or, on a nice day, outside in the Quad. For more information, check out Spaces and Places.

CAN I HANG OUT IN THE RESIDENCE HALLS?

Commuter students can spend time in the residence halls if a resident student signs them in and takes responsibility for them. If you are not registered as a residential student, your OneCard will not allow you access to the residence halls for security reasons.

IS THERE A GAME ROOM ON CAMPUS?

Yes! The Gameroom is located off the G-Lobby of the Hammond Campus Center and is open Monday-Thursday from noon to 9pm, and Friday from noon to 4pm. The Gameroom is free to all registered students with a OneCard and offers pool, air hockey, ping-pong, foosball, darts, board games and video games.

WHAT DO I DO IF I GET SNOWED IN ON CAMPUS, OR THE WEATHER IS BAD AND I CAN NOT MAKE IT TO CAMPUS FOR CLASS?

Class cancellations can be heard by calling  978-665-4003. You can also sign up for the Connect-ED Notification System to have a cancellation message sent directly to your phone. For policies on missing classes, please check with your professors in the beginning of each semester.

WHERE IS THE BOOKSTORE AND WHAT ARE THEIR HOURS?

The bookstore is currently located off the Hammond G-lobby. However, with the new Hammond Campus Center renovations, the Bookstore will be moving to a completely new location which will be accessible through the new ground level entrance of the building with the expected completion in the Fall of 2012! The Bookstore operates on the following schedule during regular semesters:

  • Mon - 8:30AM -7:00PM
  • Tue - 8:30AM -7:00PM
  • Wed - 8:30AM - 4:30PM
  • Thu - 8:30AM - 4:30PM
  • Fri - 8:30AM - 4:00PM
  • Sat - CLOSED
  • Sun - CLOSED

During semester breaks, please call ahead to make sure the bookstore is open.

WHERE CAN I FIND STORES CLOSE TO CAMPUS?

For a full list of local stores, restaurants, and attractions, check out our Campus Concierge.

 ACADEMIC AND SUPPORT SERVICES

HOW CAN I FIND TUTORING OR STUDY SKILLS HELP ON CAMPUS?

The Tutor Center is located on the third floor of the Library and is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. All registered students are eligible for free tutoring services, including group tutoring in the math or writing center or one-on-one peer tutoring with a student who has already passed the course that you need help with. Peer tutors are available by appointment seven days a week at mutually agreeable times during the day, evenings or weekends. To sign up for tutoring services, please visit the Tutor Center or request a tutor online.

WHAT IS THE CAREER CENTER?

 The Career Center provides a variety of programs and activities to assist students and alumni in planning for career decisions during and after Fitchburg State University. The Career Center provides all aspects of career guidance and counseling, as well as assists students in the school to work, and undergraduate to graduate transition. Counseling services include assistance with selecting a major, job search strategies, job seeking skills training, preparing for professional interviews, and assistance with changing careers. For more information, please contact the Career Center at 978-665-315.

WHERE IS THE LIBRARY?

The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library is located on floors 1-4 of the Hammond Campus Center at Fitchburg State.

 EATING

CAN I EAT IN THE HOLMES DINING COMMONS?

Yes! Chartwells Food Services offers a 5 Meal Plan designed specifically for commuter students. For $675 per semester, you can get five meals per week, along with $50 Falcon dollars. Falcon dollars are spent like cash and can be redeemed at any food facility on campus, including Holmes Dining Hall, the Commuter Café, the McKay Coffee Cart, and vending machines.

If you choose not to purchase a meal plan, you can still eat in the Holmes Dining Commons. For $7.75 you can get one buffet-style lunch, and for $8.75, you can get one buffet-style dinner. You can also eat in the Holmes Dining Commons if a residential student with a meal plan chooses to use one of their guest passes for your meal. For more information visit our Meal Plans page.

WHERE CAN I GET FOOD ON AND NEAR CAMPUS?

For information on local restaurants and attractions, check out The Campus Concierge.

The Commuter Café, located in the lower level of the Hammond Campus Center, offers a wide range of meal, snack and drink options, including toasted sandwiches made to order, flatbread pizza, daily specials, Au Bon Pain soups, Outtakes “grab and go” salads, and Seattle’s Best Gourmet Coffee. The new and improved Café is going to offer new options including Subway, BYOB(Build Your Own Burger) options and more! It is expected to open before the end of February!

If you are looking for a buffet-style meal, you can check out the Holmes Dining Commons, which is located over North Street and can be accessed from the west residential campus or the academic campus. If you do not have a meal plan, you can purchase a single buffet-style lunch or dinner for $7.75 or $8.75, respectively.

The McKay Campus School also features the McKay café which is another great place for commuters to hang out in between your classes! There are a variety of food options provided by Chartwells food services in this location as well!

 Transportation

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR ME TO GET TO CAMPUS?

Most commuter students choose to drive their own vehicles to campus, but city MART buses are also available for the commute to campus. For students interested in carpooling, check out the eRideShare carpooling program.

HOW CAN I GET A PARKING PASS?

For $50.00, commuter students can purchase a red parking permit that will allow them to park in lots designated by red signs between the hours of 7 a.m. and midnight. To park free of charge in the Civic Center parking lot, pick up a light green permit, which allows students to park for 24 hours. Remember to hang permits from the rear-view mirror, with the colored side facing out. To obtain a parking pass, visit Housing & Residential Services/Parking Services in the north side entrance of Aubuchon Hall, or call them at (978) 665-3219.

CAN I FIND PARKING ON THE STREET?

Commuter students are not advised to seek parking on city streets. View a map of available parking.

WHERE CAN I GET GAS NEAR CAMPUS?

Some local gas stations near campus include:

  • Montuori Gas Station

180 Main St

Fitchburg, MA 01420

(978) 345- 1387

  • Fitchburg Irving

1313 Water St

Fitchburg, MA 01420

(978) 342-5672

  • McCue’s CITGO

656 Water St

Fitchburg, MA 01420

(978) 342-1012     

  • Water Street Getty

880 Water St

Fitchburg, MA 01420

(978) 345-9237     

  • A&E Route 2 Mobil

129 Whalon St

Fitchburg, MA 01420

(978) 343-9891     

IS THERE A CAMPUS SHUTTLE? WHERE DOES IT GO AND WHEN?

MART shuttles run in continuous 15-minute loops from the Civic Center through campus. Look for “Shuttle Stop” signs throughout campus: on North Street under Holmes Dining Commons, in front of Weston Auditorium, by McKay school, outside the Recreation Center, and in front of each residential hall.

The shuttle is FREE to all Fitchburg State students and runs on the following schedule:

  • Monday-Thursday: 7 a.m. to midnight
  • Friday: 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
  • Sunday: 4:30 p.m. to midnight

 COMPUTING

Where can I check my e-mail?

There are computers for student use located in the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library and across from the bookstore, next to the commuter lockers, in the Ground level of the Hammond Campus Center. There are also computers available to students just inside the entrance of every academic building. Student with laptops can also connect to the Fitchburg State wireless network anywhere on campus.

WHERE ARE COMPUTER LABS? 

Fitchburg State University has computer resources that are available to students outside of the classroom. The Hammond and McKay buildings house open computer labs that are a mix of dual-boot Apple iMacs and Hewlett Packard desktops. They offer a convenient place to study and do research. Edgerly and Conlon buildings house specialty labs that focus on the specific needs of several academic programs. These labs are used by students and faculty as an integral part of their coursework.

WHERE IS THERE WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS ON CAMPUS?

Fitchburg State's wireless network is available to all users and is accessible from anywhere on campus. To connect, ensure that your wireless radio is on and click "View Wireless Networks" (either from the wireless icon in the system tray or the control panel, under network Connections/Wireless Network Connections). Select the "Student" network. The university does not sanction any other wireless networks, so please avoid using anything else your computer may find.

IS THERE ANY WAY TO ACCESS THE AMELIA V. GALLUCCI-CIRIO LIBRARY FROM HOME? 

Yes! The Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library is accessible online to all Fitchburg State University students. You can access electronic books, journals, articles, and research databases, or request or renew books online.

 Recreation

WHERE CAN I EXERCISE?

The Recreation Center, located on North Street, offers Fitchburg State students access to a world-class fitness center and swimming pool with their OneCard. The Rec Center also offers a wide variety of men’s and women’s sports, intramural sports, and fitness classes.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED IN INTRAMURAL SPORTS?

Intramural sports are designed to provide the Fitchburg State community with an opportunity to participate in organized recreational competition. Intramural sports at Fitchburg State offer something for everyone, ranging from one-day events to 6-week leagues, and are open to all current students, faculty and staff of Fitchburg State.

 Miscellaneous

IF I HAVE A QUESTION, BUT DO NOT KNOW WHO TO ASK, IS THERE SOMEWHERE I CAN GO TO ASK?

The Information Desk, located on the ground floor of the Hammond Campus Center outside the Office of Student Development, is the place to go for information about programs and events on the Fitchburg State campus. You can also find answers to your questions in the Office of Student Development, located off of the Hammond G-Lobby, down the hall from the bookstore. For questions relevant to commuter life, stop by the Commuter Affairs Office on the basement level of the Hammond Campus Center or feel free to submit to our FAQs page by emailing commuters@fitchburgstate.edu.

DO I REALLY NEED TO CARRY MY ONECARD WITH ME?

Yes. Your OneCard not only serves as your Fitchburg State University identification, it is also necessary to access many campus resources. Your OneCard is required to gain access to the Recreation Center and to check out books from the library, and you can use funds on your OneCard to print documents and make copies in the library, purchase snacks from vending machines, make purchases from the bookstore, and pay postage at the mail center. In addition to making on-campus purchases, a variety of local off-campus businesses now accept the Fitchburg State OneCard as a form of payment, and some offer OneCard student discounts. View a full list of participating businesses. 

I WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE, WHERE CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES?

Located on the second floor balcony of the Hammond Campus Center, the Douglas and Isabelle Crocker Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) is a perfect place to find out about volunteer opportunities in the Fitchburg community. Updated listings of social service agencies and non-profit organizations are available at the CCE. Whether you are looking to volunteer on a regular basis or looking for an opportunity to link your club with a project, the CCE is the place to start. Information on Alternative Spring Break can also be found here.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR?

The Office of the Registrar is responsible for preparing the schedule of classes, student course registration, academic records maintenance, issuing transcripts, monitoring degree requirements for graduate and undergraduate students, and awarding degrees. It is now located in the Anthony Student Service center, a one stop shop for many important student services on campus! The office is open Monday - Thursday, 8:00 A.M. - 6:30 P.M. and Friday, 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M, and you can reach them at (978) 665-4196.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE?

The Financial Aid Office employs a team of financial aid professionals at Fitchburg State University to help you and your family in any way with your financial aid and financial planning. They are located in the Anthony Building, across from the Treasurer’s Office, and they are open 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday and 8:00 am to 6:00 pm on Tuesday. You can reach them at (978) 665-3156 to make an appointment.

I AM HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY STUDENT BILL, WHERE CAN I GO TO FIND HELP?

The Fitchburg State Student Accounts Office is on campus to assist you with meeting your financial obligations for payment of tuition and fees, and can help you with any problems related to your student bill. Student Accounts is located in the Anthony Building. Before visiting, check out their FAQs or e-mail your question to stuaccnts@fitchburgstate.edu.

HOW CAN I BECOME A COMMUTER ASSISTANT?

Commuter Assistants are hired through the Office of Student Development. To apply, stop by the Office of Student Development (located across from the bookstore in the Hammond Campus Center) or download an application (MS Word). Please specify desired position on your application.